From CAD $3,695 Was CAD $4,619
Guarantee
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
In Peru, adventure awaits at every turn, from the verdant valleys and jagged peaks of the Andes to the narrow cobblestone streets of Cusco. Experience the country’s most iconic sights on this action-packed journey. Immerse yourself in the Amazon during a stay at a jungle lodge, and venture to the Sacred Valley to discover enchanting Inca ruins and timeless indigenous traditions. Embark on one of the world’s most memorable hikes—the Inca Trail—or experience the spectacular train ride to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Spot wildlife at the exclusive G Lodge Amazon
- Explore the Incan city of Cusco
- Conquer the Inca Trail or enjoy the scenic train to Machu Picchu
- Meet local people at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant
- Explore the Cusco Planetarium
Trip Details
Product Code: 2921
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private van, plane, train, boat, canoe, hiking, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
National Geographic Journey
Supplier Code: SPSNG.A
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Cusco, Peru
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba Your G for Good Moment: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Pisac Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
- Arrival transfer
- Three-day (2 nts) excursion to the G Adventures intimate rainforest lodge
- Sacred Valley tour
- Choice of four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook, and porters or Cusco/Aguas Calientes stay with scenic train
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels – 4 nts, G Lodge Amazon – 2 nts, Inca Trail camping or Cusco-stay hotel – 3 nts.
- 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
- Private van, plane, train, boat, canoe, hiking, walking.
Group Leader
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, specialist Inca Trail Expedition Leader on hike, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3695 (CAD $370 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.Accommodation - Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Day 2: Lima/Tambopata
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge, situated near the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. Spot local bird species along the lush shores of the Tambopata River en route to the lodge, and set off on an evening walk with a naturalist guide before dinner, keeping an eye out for some of the rainforest's nocturnal creatures.
After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge.
En route, spot bird species typical of the local river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area.
Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area's rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.
Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Head by private vehicle to the lodge's office in Puerto Maldonado to store large luggage. From there, travel about 1 hr to reach the boat landing.Activity - Get the lowdown on local flora and fauna, and grab a flashlight to discover what’s living around lodge grounds. Receive help from the talented, expert naturalist guide to locate heaps of hidden creatures! Keep an eye out for snakes, tarantulas, owls, and poison dart frogs, just to name a few.Accommodation - Tambopata Lodge
Day 3: Tambopata
Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our lodge's naturalist guides. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along oxbow lakes on canoes for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we're lucky, anacondas. After dinner, embark on a river tour by motorized canoe on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the muddy banks.
Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe.
Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy visits to oxbow lakes to learn about the jungle and its inhabitants. Be introduced to the area’s rich flora and fauna by expert naturalist guides, who can teach extensive uses for medicinal and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques. Be prepared to go early morning or evening to avoid the heat of midday. Enjoy a leisurely pace – the trip requires some walking, but nothing too strenuous.
Free_time - Spend time around the lodge or go further afield. Free time is yours to explore any way you want!Activity - Head out after dark by motorized canoe to search for caimans on the river banks. Enjoy a lesson on caimans from the expert guide. Take advantage of the keen eyes of the expert naturalist guides – they are truly spectacular at spotting these elusive smaller cousins of alligators hiding on the muddy banks.Accommodation - Tambopata Lodge
Day 4: Tambopata/Cusco
Travel out of the jungle by boat and catch a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, soaring above the Andes into Peru's Inca heartland. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium's telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars.
Afternoon arrival into the Inca capital. Time for strolling around the plazas and markets. Admire the cobblestones streets, and visit some museums and Cathedral.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - Take it easy this afternoon and acclimatize to the higher altitude.Activity - Look to the night sky for a different view of the city. Explore the Cusco Planetarium surrounded by the serene nature of the Llaullipata Ecological Reserve. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Incas’ relationship with the cosmos. Check out the on-site museum and use the telescopes to admire the stars (weather-permitting).Accommodation - Taypikala Hotel Cusco
Day 5: Cusco/Urubamba
Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We'll also visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Times includes all stops and visits enroute through the Sacred Valley.Activity - In Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Inca, six communities of approximately 6000 indigenous people are working together to preserve over 700 species of potato – a cornerstone of life here. As part of an experience exclusive to National Geographic Journeys travellers – and part of our G Adventures for Good program – visit this area, named “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”), to learn about life in an Andean agricultural community. Walk through the park here with a local guide, dropping by the seed bank (which has direct ties to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway) and then head out to the fields to watch the planting or harvesting process, depending on the season. After, enjoy some of the delicious varieties of potato and visit the small stone hut where traditional weaving takes place. Learn about the natural dyeing process and witness alpaca wool strands being transformed into beautiful textiles through a centuries-old backstrap weaving style. Your visit to this special community means this local enterprise can continue earning an income that supports their development and conservation goals.Activity - Parque de la Papa (meaning "Potato Park") serves two important purposes for the community of Pampallacta: the preservation of agricultural biodiversity and economic opportunity. National Geographic Journeys travellers visit the park to learn about life in a rural agricultural Andean community and take a tour of the seed conservation program, which is preserving heritage potato species. They also learn about traditional planting, harvesting and indigenous weaving practices. With G Adventures' support, the community is able to create jobs in the area and invest in local businesses, which helps the community preserve their culture. Activity - Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.Activity - Tour the fascinating hilltop citadel of Pisac, an Incan ruin with plunging gorges, a ceremonial centre, and winding agriculture terracing that's still in use today. Be captivated by this truly amazing site sitting amid sweeping green valleys and mountain peaks. Explore the back of the site to see a pocketed cliff across Kitamayo Gorge, which once contained hundreds of Inca tombs.Activity - Tour the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with a local guide. Take a step back in time at this Inca archaeological site; it still shows signs of its former glory, including agricultural terraces, a Temple Hill, and storehouses. Learn how the area, overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, was an important stronghold during warfare between the Spanish and Incas.Accommodation - Villa Urubamba
Day 6: Inca Trail
Set out on the iconic Inca Trail, departing Urubamba by van to the starting point of the trek. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Andean countryside, hiking along meandering streams and crossing remote mountain villages and ancient ruins as we get warmed up for the more challenging days ahead.
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Get your blood pumping on this first day of hiking the Inca trail. The trekking is fairly easy and serves as good training for the next few days. Pass rambling rivers and a small village, and enjoy scenic mountain views; it’s just a taste of what’s to come.Activity - Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products, for use on our treks. This G Adventures for Good project empowered local Cusqueña women to start their own business in order to reduce the environmental impact of treks in the region. Planeterra provided $10,000 of seed funding for two young entrepreneurs to register their biodegradable products in order to sell them to the tourism industry. "Esencia Andina" is now a successful business that produces biodegradable soaps, detergents, and natural products for travellers, guides, porters, and cooks on our treks.Accommodation - Campsite Wayllabamba
Day 7: Inca Trail
Today, we ascend the long, steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman's Pass—the highest point on the Inca Trail, at 4,198 meters (13,769 feet). Enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley as you make your way up the rugged terrain, and aim to reach our camp by early afternoon. Rest and relax at camp the remainder of the day.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trek over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain on your way to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769ft). Be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun or cold winds) around the pass. Take the hike slow, and drink lots of water along the way – amazing views are waiting as a reward. Enjoy some ample time to rest and relax after reaching the camp; most campers arrive around early afternoon.Accommodation - Pacaymayo Campsite
Day 8: Inca Trail
Today we'll cross two spectacular passes. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, one can catch a glimpse of the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Continue through cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass, and arrive at the misty Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3,650 meters (11,972 feet), known as "the city above the clouds.” We will either camp here or settle at a further spot, near the beautiful terraces of the Wiñay Wayna ruins, at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet).
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Cross two passes and more ruins along the Inca Trail on the last full day of hiking. Traverse Runquraway at 3,950m (13,113 ft), and then reach the second pass at 3,700m (12,136 ft). Spot the gorgeous Cordillera Vilcabamba and the Urubamba Valley in the distance on a clear day. Camp at either the Phuyupatamarca ruins or the Wiñay Wayna ruins.Accommodation - Wiñaywanyna Campsite
Day 9: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of our hike begins before dawn. Reach the Sun Gate—the last checkpoint on the Inca Trail—in time to witness daybreak over Machu Picchu. This 15th-century Inca citadel was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from National Geographic. Hike down for a guided tour of this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site before catching a bus to the frontier town of Aguas Calientes, where we'll have free time for lunch. Continue by train to Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Wake around 03:30 to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. Head to the checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu (fingers crossed for a clear day). Hike down to Machu Picchu (about 45 mins) for a 1.5 hr guided tour of the site, and free time to explore.
Catch the bus outside the Machu Picchu gate after your visit for a 25-min downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. Eat and relax before the train ride back to Cusco this evening.Activity - Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Taypikala Hotel Cusco
Day 10: Cusco
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Edward - Traveled, November 2023
We traveled with Active Adventures to Peru to hike the Inca Trail. The local guides were amazing. The itinerary was well thought out and gave us great cultural experience. The food was great. However, their customer service was subpar. I have traveled with several other tour companies over the years, and they have always been helpful in giving us tips on pre and post trip logistics. When we booked the trip they were not all that helpful in answering questions we had to get more clarity on details we needed to schedule the rest of our trip. We learned on the trip that they gave other guests different information (that was more accurate). They also changed the overall itinerary and did not tell us that until the trip started. The changes were fine but it required us to change our post trip flights and it would have been better to know that before the trip. Finally, the hotel rooms for the first two nights in Cusco were subpar for what I would expect for what we paid for the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Henry - Traveled, December 2017
Magnificent Cusco and Machu Picchu. Delicious food, beautiful city, well organized hike and excellent Eric and Hosea
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2018
Michael - Traveled, November 2017
This trip was spectacular! It exceeded my expectations! The scenery was majestic and the food and culture was awesome.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2018
Andrew· - Traveled, March 2018
My adventure in Peru was amazing. My guide Zach was very knowledgeable and helpful with anything you could throw at him. The accommodations and crew and food were absolutely incredible. I highly recommend Active Adventures for your world trip journeys.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2018
Flora - Traveled, March 2018
It was definitely trip of life time. I loved the adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2018
Roya - Traveled, January 2018
We had an amazing trip trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu and then Flying to Puerto Maldonado to explore the Amazon Rain forest. We were incredibly well cared for by our Active Adventures trip guide, Zack. The 4 day trek to Machu Pichu was guided by Wilson. He made sure that each of us was able to complete the trip, by encouraging us and teaching us about the spiritual nature of the area. He watched our pace carefully and made sure that each of us felt supported. Our group of 4 close friends will be forever grateful for the experiences that we had on this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2018
Robin - Traveled, August 2017
Eric Farfan was an amazing guide. He was very knowledgeable, patient, kind, and had so much respect for my fear of heights. Which I did overcome while hiking the Inca Trail.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2018
David - Traveled, May 2018
Wonderful experience. The four day Classic Inca Trail hike that ended at Machu Picchu was by far the best part of the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2018
Andrew - Traveled, April 2018
Awesome experience! All went well and our guide (Danny) was fantastic! No bad days!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2018
Kristina - Traveled, May 2018
What an adventure! We had an amazing trip led by our fearless leader Gustavo. We had a great crew helping us and we felt very well cared for the entire time...and very safe! I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who asks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2018
Matthew - Traveled, February 2019
I couldn't be happier with my trip to Peru! Active Adventures is the only way to go and I have recommended them to everyone I talk to and tell about my trip. The guides are hands down some of the best and most knowledgeable I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Like every excursion there are speed bumps and hurdles, but our guides handled them with true professionalism and always took care of us 100%! They went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and had the best experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2019
Sarah - Traveled, February 2019
We had the trip of a lifetime. Everyday was a great adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2019
Scott - Traveled, May 2019
Hiking the Inca Trail as a family was the trip of a lifetime! When the trail got tough, just had to remember to turn around and take in the magnificent scenery. The camp, food, and support provided by our crew was top notch. We really appreciated their efforts and commitment to making this a great memory for all of us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2019
Melanie - Traveled, December 2018
I recently travelled (for the second time) with Active Adventures to Machu Picchu & the Amazon (the Jaguar). The trip was a dream come true. Due to some very fortunate circumstances, I got to enjoy an intimate journey along the Lares Trail through the Sacred Valley of the Incas for 3 glorious days before reaching Machu Picchu on the 4th day and joining back up with my group. The Lares Trek was rugged and open with varied terrain and breathtaking views for as far as the eye could see. We passed llamas, alpacas, villagers, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, gorgeous eucalyptus woods, quinoa fields, old farm houses from the Inca period, and so much more. Every step led to a new insights of the old world, and my brilliant guide Erick was always ready with his narration of the history of the land and people. The 3-course dining and camping were also very good, and my hosts were gracious and efficient. We even made a stop to Aguascalientes (hot spring), where I got to enjoy a very relaxing soak. Following Machu Picchu, the Amazon adventure for 2 days was also very exciting. I personally loved the heavy exotic heat of the days and warm-cool nights. (A dip in the swimming pool and a memory foam bed in the cabin made for a magnificent sleep). Live tarantulas, capybaras, sloths, owls and green orange trees were firsts for me, and the relaxing pace made for a perfect wind down to the adventure. All in all, this trip was a MUST DO. I’m already thinking of my next AA journey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2019
Muriel - Traveled, December 2018
Hiking Machu Picchu has been on my husband's bucket list for years & as he's not getting older (78), I finally said yes, I'll go with him. Glad we went with Active Adventures as they carried our supplies, looked after our meals and had our tents set up at the end of each day. The porters are phenomenal. We sure appreciated the warm wash water after our hikes and hot water bottles on cold nights. Our group leader Eric was very organized and adapted to changes to our itineraries which were out of his control. Prior to this trip, I had no plans to visit South America and thought I was finished camping years ago but the views along the Inca Trail were amazing and so is the history. Team work by Active Adventures staff/porters/cook made the trip enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2019
Louise - Traveled, May 2019
Beautiful, people, culture and mountain vistas.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2019
Caroline - Traveled, March 2019
I didn't know what to expect except an adventure and this is precisely what I got. Not often that one travels and comes home with no weight gain and amazing meals at every turn. Our cooks and sherpas (Donotello, Ilario, Stephen and others), our drivers (Natcho and Mario), our guides (Eric, Salvatore) made our experience of the Andes and Lares trail magical. The Amazon was quite the experience as well although my preference was the mountains and the Peruvian people of the mountains.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2019
Michael - Traveled, March 2019
We were apprehensive joining a group of strangers for this trip through Peru. Within minutes of meeting our group, we felt comfortable. Our guide, Eric, was terrific and made sure we all were comfortable. Erick even provided support to us in Cusco two days prior to our tour starting. Erick worked with the group to customize the trip to fit our needs and abilities. The support teams were outstanding. We enjoyed all the aspects of the trip. The country, culture, landscape, and wildlife were all amazing to learn about and understand, thanks to Erick. It was a great trip and we would highly recommend it to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2019
Kathy - Traveled, March 2019
Wow what a trip, guide and porters were amazing. The chef was the envy of all others of the trail.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2019
Marshall - Traveled, November 2018
Walking through the backcountry of Peru was spectacular. The guides were above and beyond
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2019
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